Armed with a passion for serving the community and a talent for sewing, local 4-Her, Sarah Bridges is just trying to do her part. The 16-year-old Reidland resident has been crafting swaddling blankets to donate to Baptist Health Paducah’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Bridges said the project wouldn't have been possible without the teachings of Elaine Stevens — a McCracken County 4-H Volunteer, who taught her how to sew when she was 7. Stevens suggested Bridges speak with her sister Alyssa Fawkes, who works as the clinical educator for Baptist’s NICU, about what they need. Together they came up with this. “They’re just a great little gift,” Fawkes said. “They help our nurses and our positioners to get the infants in a nice and comfortable position, even when they can’t be dressed and swaddled, we can make sure they’re tucked in and cozy.” Bridges works on the swaddles whenever she has time and her parents are overjoyed with their daughter’s drive to do good. 

Bridges has been involved in McCracken County 4-H for over 10 years in various sewing clubs. This has all been part of a recent effort by Bridges to work toward a common good. “I’ve tried to be a lot more intentional about helping others,” she said. “Especially this year after COVID-19 and seeing how much the community really needs everyone in it to work together.”